About Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery is a revolutionary procedure that was developed for the replacement of missing, decayed or damaged teeth. While many tooth replacement treatments are available to patients today, few offer the long lasting results men and women experience with implants. Dental implant surgery offers men and women a fantastic alternative to suffering with unstable bridgework, ill-fitting dentures or missing teeth.

The implant procedure will be different for each individual, your treatment plan will depend on several factors including the type of implant being placed as well as the quality and quantity of bone present in the jaw. Most implant treatments involve several visits to the dentist, therefore takes time to fully complete.

The Procedure

Your implant treatment will start with a consultation with your dentist. The area being treated will be assessed in order to determine the overall health of your remaining teeth as well as the condition of your jawbone. Successful implantation requires a certain quantity and quality of bone in the jaw-this provides proper stabilization for the implant. Those men and women who do not have enough bone may require bone augmentation or bone grafting treatments prior to dental implant surgery. If this is necessary, your dentist will discuss all available options with you.

Once sufficient bone is present, the implant can be placed. This treatment involves the use of specialized tools to create a space for secure placement of the implant into the jawbone. A drill will be used to create a small hole in the jaw where the implant is placed. It is 'screwed' in using a specialized wrench until only the head or abutment is visible above the gum line. This effectively creates 'root' support for the dental implant.

Once the implant is placed, the surrounding bone will heal around the implant, creating a secure base for an artificial tooth. When fully healed (this can take three to six months), patients return to their dentist so that the dental prosthetic (a bridge, crown, partial or full denture set) can be placed. This provides men and women with the look and feel of natural teeth.

Risks

Like with any aesthetic, medical or dental procedure, dental implant surgery does involve some risk, however these are rare, minor and easily treatable. It is important to discuss these and other concerns with your dentist prior to treatment. Risks include:

– Infection at the site of the dental implant – Damage or injury to blood vessels or surrounding teeth – Sinus problems – Pain, tingling or numbness in your natural teeth, gums, lips or chin due to nerve damage

If you are looking to achieve a naturally beautiful smile, dental implant surgery may be just what you need. Find out more about this innovative treatment today.